ABC renews 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,' adds another Marvel drama

ABC has renewed superhero drama "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." and added another Marvel series to its lineup for next season.

The new offering from Marvel is "Agent Carter," a spin-off inspired by "Captain Ameria." It stars Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter, a secret agent and girlfriend of Steve Rogers. It takes place in 1946, a year after the events of "Captain America: The First Avenger."

The moves come as ABC and other networks prepare for next week's "upfront" sessions, during which broadcasters unveil their new fall rosters to advertisers. ABC also has handed out renewal notices to "Scandal," "Grey's Anatomy," "Modern Family," "The Middle," "Resurrection," "The Goldbergs" and "Once Upon a Time." More ABC renewals may be coming before next week.

Marvel's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." will get a second season on ABC. (ABC)

The renewal for Joss Whedon's "S.H.I.E.L.D." was widely expected, even though the show has generated only modest ratings and failed to live up to the massive hype that ushered it into the season.

ABC has also reportedly canceled the sitcoms "Trophy Wife" and "Mixology."